We join with you in lifting up this vital request, for the Lord has called all His children to stand firm in trials, challenges, and persecutions, knowing that these are opportunities for our faith to be refined and for His glory to be revealed. The Apostle James reminds us to "count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4, WEB). And Peter encourages us, "Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:12-13, WEB).
Yet standing firm is not done in our own strength—it is only by the power of Christ in us. Jesus warned us that in this world we *will* have tribulation, but He also assured us, "Cheer up! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, WEB). Our victory is found in Him alone, and it is through prayer, the Word of God, and the fellowship of believers that we are equipped to endure.
We also commend you for invoking the name of Jesus Christ in your prayer, for there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved, and it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (Acts 4:12, John 14:6). This is a truth that must never be taken for granted, for many in the world seek help from false sources or rely on their own understanding. But we know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and it is in His name that we boldly approach the throne of grace.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother/sister who seeks the strength to stand firm in trials, challenges, and persecutions. Lord, You have promised that no temptation has taken us except what is common to man, and that You are faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that we may be able to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13, WEB). We ask that You grant them unwavering faith, rooted deeply in Your Word, so that when the storms come, they will not be shaken.
Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, who is their Comforter, Teacher, and Guide. Remind them that though the world may hate them, they are not of this world—just as Christ is not of this world (John 17:14). Let them find joy in the privilege of suffering for His name, knowing that their reward in heaven is great (Matthew 5:11-12). Strengthen them to resist the enemy, who seeks to devour through discouragement and fear, and clothe them in the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Lord, surround them with godly brothers and sisters who will uplift them in prayer, speak life into their spirit, and walk alongside them in these trials. Let them never forget that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). May their testimony through these challenges bring glory to Your name and draw others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
We rebuke every spirit of fear, doubt, and weakness that would seek to overwhelm them. By the blood of Jesus, we declare that they are more than conquerors through Him who loved them (Romans 8:37). Let them stand firm, immovable, always abounding in Your work, knowing that their labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to meditate on the words of Paul: "We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body" (2 Corinthians 4:8-10, WEB). Your trials are not in vain—they are producing in you an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). He is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Stand firm!